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Report: Billy Packer is out at CBS
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The Miami Herald is reporting that veteran college basketball commentator Billy Packer is out at CBS, and will be replaced by studio analyst Clark Kellogg.

Packer has announced 34 consecutive Final Fours, and has been with CBS for 28 consecutive seasons. The Herald says the dismissal has been confirmed by network representative Leslie Anne Wade.

Packer drew criticism during last season's NCAA tournament when he declared "This game is over" as Kansas went ahead of North Carolina by 38-12 in a Final Four semifinal. That comment was seen as an invitation for viewers to change the channel, and began fueling rumors that Packer -- never a stranger to controversy -- was on his way out.

But Packer stood by his call in an interview with USA TODAY's Michael Hiestand, saying:

"My job is to say what I see, not have some kind of subconscious feelings about offending anybody . . . It probably annoyed some people, but I don't concern myself with having some agenda that's contrary to what I'm seeing."

The Herald reports Packer confirmed the move through a CBS official but declined further comment.

Packer began his broadcast career at NBC, working with Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg and Al McGuire before joining CBS in 1981. He had been paired with Jim Nantz since 1991.

Re: Billy Packer out, Clark Kellogg in

ESPN thinks they are young and hip, Packer is neither. I just don't see them hiring a re-tread

they brought in bob knight for their march madness studio coverage and paired him with a guy named digger - hardly young and hip. i wouldn't put it passed ESPN to shove packer out on the road with steve lavin & co.

Re: Billy Packer out, Clark Kellogg in

Raftery is a fraud. He's made his career saying stupid catch phrases in a funny voice. He offers nothing else. He's like the Stuart Scott of commentating except instead of saying "Boo-yah" and "Word to your mother", he says "...And the big guy with the kiss off the glass" in a stupid voice. Absolutely worthless.

Re: Billy Packer out, Clark Kellogg in

Aw you're just being hard on the guy. Rafferty's a solid basketball announcer who understands that 95% of the people who watch the games are only average basketball fans and only watch the tournament. He keeps it simple and stick mainly to pointing out zone and man to man, highlighting especially important moves, throwing out a catch-phrase or two and having some fun.

I understand, and appreciate, Billy Packer's deep understanding of the game and its intricacies, but he doesn't get the entertainment side of sports that makes it so popular. He ruins games with his negativity and dislike of certain players and teams.

Re: Billy Packer out, Clark Kellogg in

aww, that's such a shame. no more billy. that breaks my heart. no more of his b.s.
he will be so dearly missed. well, ok i admit i'm not really a fan of his- in fact i can't stand that lousy putz. good riddance indeed!